This week my daughter and I will be picking the B1G duals. We currently picking eight, 4 Friday and 4 Sunday. I of course am going to use logic, she on the other hand is probably going pick which mascot is the coolest. Emma is 2, I am 27, let's see if a mind of a child is really as special as they say it is.

Friday, February 3rd

Indiana vs Maryland

My daughter is a bit of a homer and picks the Hoosiers (she loves the color red), I on the other hand think Maryland will win a tight one.

Emma- Indiana Dad(Austin)- Maryland

#11 Illinois vs Northwestern

The Fighting Illini and their fearless leader IMAR have looked pretty darn good this year. As much as Emma likes cats, her pick of Illinois was a bit of a surprise to me when she said "The orange one.". I as well am going to go with the layup pick of Illinois.

Emma- Illinois Dad(Austin)- Illinois

#18 Wisconsin vs #3 Iowa

The Hawkeyes looked phenomenal in their win over Ohio State last weekend, and I'm picking them to keep the ball rolling against Wisconsin. Emma on the other hand has put Tom and Terry on upset alert with her pick of Wisconsin. I think she picked the Badgers because of cute and fluffy mascot, I also showed her this picture.

Emma- Wisconsin Dad(Austin)- Iowa

Emma isn't a fan of yelling....Unless she's doing it.

#2 Penn State vs #4 Ohio State

The main event Friday night takes place between two teams in the hunt for the national championship. There are going to big individual matches on display and I'm sure the crowd in the Schottenstein Center will be rowdy and looking for the upset of the powerful Nittany Lions. Emma has decided that the two top Big Ten teams will go down this Friday night with her pick of Ohio State. Again, she loves cats, but seemed to favor the red (scarlet) over the lovable kitty. I on the other hand think Penn State wins this one pretty easily. Dual meets are always about match ups, and I don't like the Buckeyes in this match up.

Emma- Ohio State Dad(Austin)- Penn State

Sunday, February 5th

Purdue vs #11 Illinois

Even after picking The Fighting Illini to beat Northwestern on Friday, Emma will go the other direction and say that Mark Perry and company will lose to the Boilermakers. Emma likes trains just enough to favor Purdue over Illinois and their pretty orange and blue. I on the other hand am a little more realistic, Purdue is on it's way to being a very good program under Coach Ersland, but Illinois on Sunday isn't going to be their coming out party.

Emma- Purdue Dad(Austin)- Illinois

#12 Michigan vs Michigan State

Who doesn't love a good in state rivalry dual? Even though this one won't be very close, I think it will be more competitive than the last several years. I'm picking Michigan, Emma is taking the upset bid once again (surprise, surprise) and going with the Spartans. Fun fact: This dual features two Indiana high school studs Stevan Micic (Michigan Wolverine and 3X Indiana champ) and Drew Hughes ( Michigan State Spartan and 2X Indiana champ).

Emma- Michigan State Dad(Austin)- Michigan

#13 Rutgers vs Indiana

Emma and I finally agree on a Sunday dual! Rutgers rolls in this one. Indiana is just having a rough year all around, but they should have some bright spots from Nathan Jackson come tournament time though.

Emma- Rutgers Dad(Austin)- Rutgers

#3 Iowa vs #10 Minnesota

Sunday's big match up comes in the form of an old school throwback dual. It takes us back to the days of Gable vs J Rob. Personally, this is the dual I circle on my calendar every year, it just gives me too much nostalgia. Emma and I agree that this year it won't be close. Iowa should roll and could possibly win 7 or 8 matches. I believe the only reason Emma picked Iowa over the Minnesota's colors is because I didn't show her any scary pictures of the Brands brothers.

Emma- Iowa Dad(Austin)- Iowa